1971 NASCAR Winston Cup Series (partially found footage and official documents of NASCAR races; 1971)

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1971medalofhonorfirecracker4001.jpg

Program for the 1971 Medal of Honor Firecracker 400.

Status: Partially Found

The 1971 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 23rd season of NASCAR's top-level stock car series. The season saw Richard Petty claim his third of seven top-level championships in a 1971 Plymouth. Of the races televised that year, at least five are declared missing, with the 1971 Myers Brothers 250 also missing official documents concerning a controversial finish.

1971 Twin 125s

The 1971 Twin 125s are two races at the Daytona National Speedway that served as qualifying events for the 1971 Daytona 500. Both occurred on 11th February, where the first race was won by Pete Hamilton in a 1971 Plymouth, while David Pearson in a 1969 Mercury was victorious in the second. These were the last Twin 125s that awarded points.

The Twin 125s are unique races on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. They consist of two qualifying heats that determine the majority of the 40 competitors for the Daytona 500.[1] It would also allow for the racers to analyse how their vehicles performed during the heats and modify them accordingly for the main event.[2] The 1971 Twin 125s would mark an end of an era dating back to 1959, where the races awarded points in the championship. From the 1972 Twin 125s onwards, they did not award points, because as part of an overhaul of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, events now needed to reach at least 400km to officially count on the Winston Cup schedule.[3]

The Races

Prior to the Twin 125s, two had already qualified for the Daytona 500, with A.J. Foyt winning the pole position in a 1969 Mercury after achieving the best time trial performance of 182.744 mph,[4][5] ahead of Bobby Isaac in a 1971 Dodge.[6] In the first Twin 125s race, Hamilton was victorious and claimed $1,300 in prize money, ahead of Foyt and fellow 1971 Plymouth driver Richard Petty.[7] Foyt did lead 33 of the 50 laps, but Hamilton successfully passed his opponent on the final lap and held on to win in a race with no cautions.[7] As for the second race, Pearson won to claim the $1,200, ahead of Buddy Baker in a 1971 Dodge, and Dick Brooks in a 1969 Dodge.[8] In a race where the first position was primarily contested between Pearson and Baker, Pearson overtook his opponent on lap 45, and held on to claim victory.[8]

With the starters and race order decided, the 1971 Daytona 500 commenced on 14th February. It saw Petty ultimately claim victory after overtaking Baker on Lap 182, remaining ahead of the pack for the final 18 laps. Baker and Foyt finished second and third respectively, with Pearson fourth. Hamilton retired on lap 157 after experiencing engine issues.[6]

1971 Atlanta 500 (FOUND)

The 1971 Atlanta 500 was the 10th race of the 1971 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Occurring on 4th April at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, in an event that almost never transpired because of the bankruptcy of the raceway, the race would ultimately be won by pole sitter A.J. Foyt in a 1969 Mercury after a tense battle with 1971 Plymouth driver Richard Petty.

It was the 12th running of the event, with the race traditionally being around 500 miles in length.[9] It was one of two 1971 Winston Cup Series races conducted at Atlanta Motor Speedway,[10] the other being the Dixie 500,[9] which in 1971 occurred on 1st August and was won by Richard Petty in a 1971 Plymouth.[11] The Atlanta 500 also has ties to the modern Quaker State 400, which resumed the event at a 400 mile length in 2021 after not being held from 2011-2020.[12][13] However, the 1971 race almost never transpired; financial mismanagement in the 1960s led to the track, then known as Atlanta International Raceway, being declared bankrupt.[14][15] A successful bankruptcy petition from its board of directors was responsible for saving the race, as its running was a core aspect of the petition.[14][15]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with A.J. Foyt winning the pole position with a speed of 155.152 mph.[16][17] Directly behind him was Bobby Isaac in a 1971 Dodge, and Richard Petty.[17] Foyt was therefore deemed the favourite to win according to The New York Times, with Petty considered to be his biggest challenger for the event.[16] Before the event occurred however, Foyt made an apology to his fellow racers at the drivers' meeting over a story reported by Sports Illustrated that claimed he made disparaging comments to his fellow drivers.[18][19][15] Foyt denied he made said comments however, and sued Sports Illustrated's parent company Time, winning $75,000 in damages in 1973.[15]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1971 Atlanta 500 occurred on 4th April.[17] Foyt led the field for the first 36 laps, before Petty took over for the next 15.[17] While there would be several lap leaders,[17][15] the race would primarily be between Foyt and Petty, with The New York Times stating that "The race was essentially a private battle between Foyt and Petty, NASCAR's super star, with the 38 other starters simply providing background color and sound."[19] Indeed, Foyt and Petty proved evenly matched, with Petty holding an advantage by having his pit stops take slightly less time than his rival, with Foyt also hampered at one point because of a flat tyre.[19] With 25 laps still to run, Foyt made his final pit stop, allowing Petty to take over the lead.[15][17] While he tried to stay out for the remainder of the race, the Plymouth was forced to come in seven laps after Foyt so it could receive the fuel needed to complete the event.[15][19]

This enabled Foyt to close the gap, where he admitted post-race that chasing Petty was a gamble, as he nearly spun his Mercury on several occasions.[19] Ultimately, he completed the overtake on the back straight of the 316th lap, thus moving back into the first position.[19][17] He held onto it for the remaining laps to claim victory and $19,200 in prize money.[17] Petty finished second, 1.8 seconds behind, with fellow 1971 Plymouth driver Pete Hamilton a lap down in third.[19][17]

1971 Rebel 400

The 1971 Rebel 400 was the 16th race of the 1971 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Occurring on 2nd May at the Darlington Raceway, the race would ultimately be won by Buddy Baker in a 1971 Dodge, capitalising when long-term leader Donnie Allison retired near the end when his 1971 Mercury's engine failed.

It was the 15th running of the event, with the annual race typically lasting around 400 miles in length.[20] Its name is a reference to the race typically being held near Confederate Memorial Day,[21] with Confederate flags often being featured on race programs and within the stands.[22] It was one of two 1971 Winston Cup Series races conducted at Darlington Raceway, the other being the Southern 500,[10] which in 1971 occurred on 6th September and was won by Bobby Allison in a 1969 Mercury.[23] After the two Darlington races were merged into one 400 mile race for 2005,[24] the Rebel 400's legacy would continue in 2020 under the current name of the Goodyear 400.[25]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Donnie Allison winning the pole position with a speed of 151.471 mph.[20] Directly behind him was 1971 Mercury driver David Pearson, with Fred Lorenzen qualifying third in a 1971 Plymouth.[20] Baker qualified 5th,[20] and was aiming to score his second consecutive win at Darlington, having won the 1970 Southern 500 beforehand.[26]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1971 Rebel 400 commenced on 2nd May.[20] Pearson shot into the lead, holding it until lap 4 when Allison retook the first position.[20] With the exception of a few challenges from his brother Bobby, who was driving a 1971 Dodge for the event, as well as 1969 Dodge driver Dave Marcis and 1971 Plymouth racer Richard Petty, Donnie Allison dominated the early stages of the race, often leading for more than laps at a time.[27][26][20] Many of these early challengers retired, with Pearson ending his race on lap 30 because of steering issues, while Bobby Allison and Petty exited because of engine failures on laps 177 and 185 respectively.[26][20]

By lap 163, Allison was again leading, this time defending it for 89 consecutive laps.[20] The only driver who could challenge was Baker, with him successfully overtaking his opponent on lap 252.[26][20] Allison managed to retake the lead on lap 268,[20] but the battle for the race win continued to intensify as both drivers refused to concede to the other.[26] Eventually, Baker performed another overtake on lap 282,[26][20] only for the duel to suddenly end when Allison's Plymouth suffered an engine failure, preventing a potential classic encounter.[26][27][20] This enabled Baker to cruise to victory, claiming $17,065 in prize money.[26][27][20] Baker could afford to slow down in the final stages, as 1970 Dodge driver Dick Brooks and Marcis, who finished second and third respectively, were seven laps down from the leader.[26][27][20]

Allison performed well enough in the end to be classified fourth.[26][27][20] Following the race, he stated "I worked my fanny off out there all day and then it ends like this. I felt I was faster than Richard (Petty) and Buddy most of the day. But at the end, I was running faster than I had all day and Buddy was gaining on me. Buddy ran a heck of a race and he is to be congratulated."[26]

1971 Medal of Honor Firecracker 400

The 1971 Medal of Honor Firecracker 400 was the 27th race of the 1971 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Occurring on 4th July at the Daytona International Speedway, the race would ultimately be won by Bobby Isaac in a 1971 Dodge, with Chrysler achieving a clean sweep as the top four were driving vehicles linked to the Chrysler brand. Isaac notably climbed from 21st in the race order to claim victory.

It was the 13th running of the event, with its name a reference to the fact it was held on the United States' Independence Day.[28] The Medal of Honor part of its name was intended to show respect to those who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor, with the proceeding 1969 and later the 1973 versions of the race sharing that moniker.[29] It was also the fourth 1971 NASCAR Winston Cup Series event to be held at Daytona International Speedway,[10] after the Twin 125s and the Daytona 500. The Firecracker 400 also has ties to the modern Coke Zero Sugar 400 race, having dropped the Firecracker name in 2019.[28]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Donnie Allison winning the pole position in a 1969 Mercury with a pole time of 49.119 seconds.[30] Buddy Baker, also in a 1971 Dodge, qualified second, ahead of the 1971 Chevrolet driven by Charlie Glotzbach. Isaac qualified only 21st of the 40 competitors.[31]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1971 Firecracker 400 occurred on 4th July.[31] Prior to the race starting, four of Chrysler-owned Dodge and Plymouth entries decided to incorporate older type wedge engines so that they could compete against the Fords, who had superior carburettor restrictors.[32] By lap 13, there had already been ten lead changes, with no driver successfully leading more than two laps by that point. In total, there would be 34 lead changes, with Isaac charging through the order to take the lead from Petty's 1971 Plymouth on lap 62.[31] 18 laps later, Tiny Lund in a 1969 Mercury crashed out, scrapping one of the walls for 800 feet and resting sideways against the barrier. Lund was taken away by ambulance, but suffered no serious injuries.[32]

After receiving competition from Petty, Baker and the 1971 Plymouth driven by Pete Hamilton, Issac overtook the latter on lap 136, and remained in the first position for the rest of the race.[31] This was despite facing intense pressure from Petty throughout, and the suffering a loose hood after losing a closing pin.[32] He held on to win by four seconds against Petty, claiming his second superspeedway victory of his career and $16,450 in prize money.[31] Chrysler achieved a clean sweep with Petty finishing 2nd, ahead of Baker and Hamilton.[32][31]

1971 Myers Brothers 250

The 1971 Myers Brothers 250 was the 34th race of the 1971 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Occurring on 6th August at the Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, the race is deemed one of the most controversial in NASCAR history because it is the only NASCAR race where no official winner has been declared.

It was the 11th and final annual Winston Cup Series race at the Bowman Gray Stadium.[33] The Myers Brothers title was given in memory of two brothers who died in racing accidents, Billy and Bobby Myers.[34] The race would run for 250 laps or just over 62.5 miles.[35]

The only Cup Series race to take place on the speedway in 1971,[10] it occurred during a challenging period for NASCAR.[36][37] The three largest Detroit manufacturers involved in the sport had toned down their sponsorship, resulting in decreased prize purses for races.[36] This in turn caused many Winston Cup Series events to suffer from low competition, as smaller teams generally were unwilling to compete for small prizes.[37][36] But it was not just the Cup Series that was suffering; the NASCAR Grand American Series was struggling with attracting both cars and fans, resulting in its 1971 season having only seven races rather than the previous year's 27.[36] Therefore, to revitalise both Series, NASCAR decided that six of its smaller races, starting with the Myers Brothers 250, would be combined Cup Series and Grand American events.[36][34][37] Thus, Grand American "pony" cars like the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro, and the Dodge Javelin,[38] would be allow to compete alongside their Cup Series equivalents.[39][36][37][34][35]

However, the Cup Series regulars were unhappy with this decision.[34][37] While the pony cars had smaller engines that produced fewer horsepower, they were also lighter and had enhanced handling ideal for tracks like the Bowman Gray Stadium.[36] Thus, Cup drivers like Richard Petty were concerned the pony cars would dominate the higher-tier Cup cars and made a protest against allowing them to compete, threatening a boycott if they were given the all clear.[37] A deal was reached where NASCAR enabled an additional ten Grand American cars to compete in the event,[34][38][35][37] under the agreement that the rules would face changes should the pony cars prove superior.[37][35] That still did not fully placate the majority of Cup drivers, however, with allegations that some Cup drivers were prepared to wreck the Grand American cars during the race.[37][38] One driver, Max Berrier, was to be entering the race with a Camaro.[34] However, three Cup Series drivers allegedly told car owner Toy Bolt that it would be best for him not to enter a vehicle lest something occur to it. Bolt ultimately withdrew from the event following these threats.[34]

Bobby Allison notably was not one of the regular Cup Series drivers to be against the inclusion of Grand American cars.[36][34][39][38][37] In fact, he decided to enter a 1970 Mustang for the event, deeming it to be better than any of the Cup Series vehicles, while also aiming to win rather than simply caring about earning points.[36][38][39][34][37][35] Despite this, when qualifying commenced prior to the race, it was Petty who won the pole position, achieving a record speed of 55.283 mph in his 1970 Plymouth, producing a lap time of 16.28s.[34][35] Allison qualified directly behind him, while Jim Paschal qualified third in a 1970 Javelin.[35] Nevertheless, Petty claimed prior to the race that the pony cars would have the advantage, predicting "they'll get better mileage and they're lighter and they won't have to worry as much about tires getting hot and slowing them down."[39]

The Race

With the starting order decided, the 1971 Myers Brothers 250 commenced on 6th August.[35] Petty maintained his lead at the start, and even dominated the first 112 laps without dropping the first position once.[36][35][39] He had managed to lap everyone bar Allison, the latter having survived an early collision.[39] Allison, however, alleged that the reason Petty had a near-lap lead on the field was that he was cutting the margin and that The King had less traffic to pass.[39] Allison also claimed "the other cars moved over for him better than they did for me. Grand National and Grand American cars."[39] Other drivers in Grand American cars experienced trouble, including Randy Hutchison, who claimed his 1969 Camaro was bumped into a few times during the race.[34] However, tensions escalated when he entered the pits after cutting a tyre. He alleged that James Hylton's crew blocked his vehicle and refused to let him by.[34] As he tried to clear the crew, Hutchinson encountered Hylton, who attempted to punch Hutchinson several times.[34] Only the Camaro's mesh screen prevented any blows from actually landing.[34] Some labelled the race a "demolition derby" for the collisions between the Cup Series and Grand American drivers.[40]

However, during a caution on lap 112, Petty was forced to pit for fuel.[39][34] When he exited the pits, he was second, behind Allison's Mustang.[39][34][35] Ultimately, when the race restarted, Petty was unable to pass his opponent.[39][34][35] According to the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, the problem was that as Petty's Plymouth closed in on the Ford, it induced a scoring burden on the tyres, forcing him to increase his gap from Allison.[39] Allison meanwhile did not need to pit and began to extend his lead over time.[39][34][35] By the end, he had led the remaining 138 laps to cross the line first and claim $1,000 in prize money.[34][39][35][37] Petty came second, six-lengths behind Allison, with Paschal taking third.[34][39][35][37]

A furious Petty immediately left the track following the race.[39][37] He did speak to the press however, again criticising NASCAR's decision to run Grand American cars, stating "What they ought to do is send them (GA cars) home and leav 'em there. If we're going to run Grand American races, let's run Grand American cars".[39] Allison meanwhile had no regrets racing a Grand American vehicle, saying "I raced this car because I thought it was the best car for this track. Besides, I believe the Grand National cars have outgrown the short tracks. Races like (the Myers Brothers 250) this are better than having the Grand American division fail. As for me being a Grand National driver in a GA car, the only thing Grand National about me is that I drive a Grand National car at other tracks."[39] Tiny Lund, who finished sixth in a 1969 Camaro, labelled the Cup Series drivers as "crybabies" for their actions throughout the event, including for another incident where Lund was allowed to re-qualify following an electrical timer malfunction during qualifying.[34]

Bobby Allison's "85th Victory"

Bobby Allison had a highly successful career in NASCAR.[38] When he retired following a career-ending accident at the 1988 Miller High Life 500, he had officially won 84 races, ranking him joint-fourth for the highest number of victories, alongside his rival Darrell Waltrip.[38] However, Allison and many of his supporters argue that he had actually won 85.[38] The reason for this conflict is that despite crossing the line first in the 1971 Myers Brother 250, Allison is not officially credited by NASCAR as having won it.[38][34][36] According to the NASCAR officials involved in the race, Allison had not won the race simply because he was driving a Grand American car, rather than a legal Cup Series one.[38][36][34] Additionally, NASCAR historian Buz McKim claims that a NASCAR executive involved in the event's handling informed him that Allison's car was disqualified a few days following the race.[38][40] He notes however that there is no evidence supporting the now-deceased executive's claim, especially when considering that the Mustang should not have been declared illegal if it passed an inspection the Saturday before the race.[38][40]

NASCAR's decision is deemed highly controversial, primarily due to its inconsistent nature.[38][36] Allison supporters note that Lund had crossed the line first in two other combination races later in the season in a Grand American vehicle.[38][36] While NASCAR originally did not deem Lund as the winner of either race, campaigning by his family led to officials overturning this decision.[36][38] Allison and his family have tried to get his victory properly recognised, but NASCAR has refused all appeals, leading to accusations of inconsistency in decision-making.[36][38][40] It also promotes another serious issue: the 1971 Myers Brothers 250 is as of the present day the only NASCAR event without an official winner.[38][36][40] With Petty having finished second in the race, NASCAR has refused to deem him the winner either.[38][40] It is a decision that The King supports.[38][40] In a July 2017 interview, Petty insisted "Bobby won but shouldn't have gotten credit for it. The cars weren't the same; those cars were too different. I shouldn't have gotten credit, but Bobby shouldn't have either. That was a Cup race, and he wasn't in a Cup car."[38][40]

Nevertheless, Allison remains adamant that he deserves official credit.[38][40] In a 2011 interview, he blamed NASCAR CEO Bill France Jr. for the decision, initially believing that Petty was given the win.[38] Because The King was not credited with the victory however, Allison still believes he should be given the win instead.[38] As Jimmie Johnson seemingly edged closer to overtaking Allison's number of wins, it did renew further campaigning from Allison's family for him to be credited, especially as this would delight him as he would officially move him past Waltrip.[38] The main barrier surrounds whether officials had told Grand American drivers that they would not be credited for a Cup win prior to the race, with Hutchison claiming no such speech was made.[38] Paperwork surrounding the race decisions have since been discarded by NASCAR.[40] Thus, it has led McKim to conclude that the situation may never be fully settled.[38][40]

1971 National 500

The 1971 National 500 was the 42nd race of the 1971 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Occurring on 10th October at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the race would ultimately be won by Bobby Allison in a 1969 Mercury, in an event greatly impacted by rain-related delays.

It was the 12th running of the event, with the annual race typically lasting 500 miles in length.[41] It was one of two 1971 Winston Cup Series races conducted at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the other being the World 600,[10] which in 1971 occurred on 30th May and was won by Bobby Allison.[42] The race also has ties to the modern Bank of America Roval 400, having dropped the National name from 1983 onwards and being reduced to 400 miles from 2018.[43][44]

Prior to the race, qualifying commenced with Charlie Glotzbach winning the pole position in a 1971 Chevrolet with a speed of 157.085 mph.[41] Directly behind him was 1971 Dodge driver Buddy Baker, with Allison lining up third.[41] The race almost never happened, however. In the early hours of race day, rain continued covered the speedway, and continued at the planned race time of 12:30 P.M..[45] Thus, the race had to be delayed for nearly two hours before it was deemed safe enough for the event to occur, the rain ultimately subsiding.[45] Even then, the drivers drove five unofficial laps to help dry the track, with the first ten official laps being ran under caution.[45]

The Race

With the starting order decided, and the circuit deemed dry enough to race on, the 1971 National 500 commenced on 10th October.[41][45] Glotzbach maintained his lead at the start, but was ultimately passed by Baker on lap 12.[41][45] The first 125 laps were a duel between the two drivers, with Glotzbach leading 56 laps after moving back into the first position on lap 70.[45][41] However, after a caution triggered by a crash involving Earle Canavan, which notably caused his 1971 Plymouth to catch fire,[45] the field was bunched up again.[41] This allowed Richard Petty in a 1971 Plymouth to take the lead, holding onto it for nine laps.[45][41]

By this point, Baker had dropped out of contention, with a four horse race between Petty, Glotzbach, Allison, and 1971 Dodge driver Bobby Isaac emerging.[45] Isaac led for 22 laps from lap 136, with Petty being his most notable challenger.[45][41] But by lap 158, the race centred into a duel between Allison and Glotzbach, with the former achieving what ultimately turned out to be the final leader change on lap 177.[45][41] Rain began to fall down again on the circuit by the 350-mark, and as darkness began to fall, NASCAR's official starter Johnny Bruner Jr. decided to draw the proceedings to a premature close by waving the white flag on lap 237.[45][46] Allison was able to hold off any further challenges, taking the victory, his ninth of the season, and $19,450 in prize money.[45][41] Isaac would finish second, with Donnie Allison in a 1969 Mercury taking third.[41][45] Despite Glotzbach's consistent challenges throughout the race, he would ultimately drop to fifth by the end.[41] Notably, only 357 of the planned 500 miles were covered.[45]

Availability

Television broadcasts of 1971 NASCAR Winston Cup Series races have been documented by NASCAR on TV.[47] For the 1971 Twin 125s, it confirms 25 minutes of highlights for the races were broadcast on ABC's World Wide of Sports on 13th February 1971, alongside a few other sports.[48] However, no footage of these races is currently publicly available.

NASCAR on TV also claims the final 90 minutes of the 1971 Atlanta 500 were televised live by ABC under the title of ABC Championship Auto Racing.[49] The broadcast was eventually made publicly available again on 16th August 2023, being uploaded as part of NASCAR Classics' launch.[50] Lasting an hour and five minutes, it is unclear whether the difference in runtime is the result of the removal of all advertisements and/or an overestimation of the broadcast runtime by NASCAR on TV.

Meanwhile, 45 minutes of highlights for the 1971 Rebel 400 were televised by ABC on 15th May 1971 as part of its Wide World of Sports, alongside wrestling championships between the United States and USSR.[51] However, this broadcast has yet to resurface. Nevertheless, over six minutes of silent race footage was uploaded to YouTube on 4th July 2016 by Team SC Midlands RacersReunion Chapter. Photos and newspaper clippings of the event are also publicly viewable.[26]

ABC also broadcast a 45-minute highlights package of the 1971 Medal of Honor Firecracker 400 on 17th July 1971, as part of its Wide World of Sports.[52] However, while confirmation of a television broadcast has been achieved, no footage from it is currently publicly available. However, three minutes of home video footage from Patriot1 can be viewed on YouTube.

As for the 1971 Myers Brothers 250, 45 minutes of highlights were televised by ABC on 14th August 1971 as part of its Wide World of Sports, alongside outdoor events.[53] However, the broadcast has yet to resurface, and no footage of the race is currently publicly available. Nevertheless, photos and newspaper clippings of the race remain viewable.[34][40] The official documents surrounding the race decision are likely permanently irrecoverable.[40]

Finally, another 45 minutes of highlights, this time of the 1971 National 500, were televised by ABC on 6th November 1971 as part of its Wide World of Sports, alongside the World Weightlifting Championships.[54] However, the broadcast has yet to resurface, and no footage of the race is currently publicly available. Nevertheless, a few photos, including some taken by Hugh Morton and others within the J. Murrey Atkins Library, are available to view.[45][46]

Gallery

Video

Silent footage of the 1971 Rebel 400.

Home video footage of the 1971 Medal of Honor Firecracker 400.

nascarman History's video regarding the 1971 Myers Brothers 250.

See Also

External Links

References

  1. Draftkings Nation detailing the Twin 125s. Retrieved 2 Jan '22
  2. The New York Times detailing the the Twin 125s' purpose. Retrieved 2 Jan '22
  3. Stock Car Racing History detailing the changes in the 1972 NASCAR Winston Cup Series that meant the Twin 125s no longer awarded points from the 1972 races onwards. Retrieved 2 Jan '22
  4. Archived CNN Sports Illustrated listing Daytona 500 pole winners and their qualifying speeds. Retrieved 2 Jan '22
  5. Archived Racing One listing Daytona 500 pole winners. Retrieved 2 Jan '22
  6. 6.0 6.1 Racing-Reference detailing the starting order and results of the 1971 Daytona 500. Retrieved 2 Jan '22
  7. 7.0 7.1 Racing-Reference detailing results of the first race. Retrieved 2 Jan '22
  8. 8.0 8.1 Racing-Reference detailing results of the second race. Retrieved 2 Jan '22
  9. 9.0 9.1 Racing Circuits documenting the Atlanta 500 and the Dixie 500. Retrieved 5 Mar '22
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 Racing-Reference detailing the 1971 NASCAR Winston Cup Series calendar. Retrieved 5 Mar '22
  11. Racing-Reference detailing the results of the 1971 Dixie 500. Retrieved 5 Mar '22
  12. NASCAR linking the Atlanta 500 with the Quaker State 400. Retrieved 5 Mar '22
  13. Beyond the Flag noting Atlanta 500 being removed from the 2011 schedule. Retrieved 5 Mar '22
  14. 14.0 14.1 Wilmington Star-News reporting on the 1971 Atlanta 500 being saved as part of a bankruptcy petition (article found on Bench-Racing). Retrieved 5 Mar '22
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 Bench-Racing detailing the 1971 Atlanta 500, how it almost never transpired, and Foyt's Sports Illustrated controversy. Retrieved 5 Mar '22
  16. 16.0 16.1 The New York Times reporting on qualifying for the 1971 Atlanta 500. Retrieved 5 Mar '22
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 17.6 17.7 17.8 Racing-Reference providing qualifying and race results of the 1971 Atlanta 500. Retrieved 5 Mar '22
  18. Spartanburg Herald reporting on Foyt's apology at the drivers' meeting prior to the 1971 Atlanta 500 (article found on Bench-Racing). Retrieved 5 Mar '22
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 19.6 The New York Times reporting on Foyt winning the 1971 Atlanta 500. Retrieved 5 Mar '22
  20. 20.00 20.01 20.02 20.03 20.04 20.05 20.06 20.07 20.08 20.09 20.10 20.11 20.12 20.13 20.14 20.15 Racing-Reference detailing qualifying and race results for the 1971 Rebel 400. Retrieved 31 Mar '22
  21. Yahoo! News noting the Rebel races were typically held near Confederate Memorial Day. Retrieved 31 Mar '22
  22. SB Nation detailing the extent of Confederate flags and celebrations during the Rebel races. Retrieved 31 Mar '22
  23. Racing-Reference detailing the results of the 1971 Southern 500. Retrieved 31 Mar '22
  24. Fantasy Racing Cheat Sheet detailing the history of Darlington Raceway and how both races were merged into one from 2005. Retrieved 31 Mar '22
  25. Jayski noting the race carries on as the Goodyear 400. Retrieved 31 Mar '22
  26. 26.00 26.01 26.02 26.03 26.04 26.05 26.06 26.07 26.08 26.09 26.10 26.11 Bench-Racing detailing the 1971 Rebel 400 and providing photos and newspaper clippings of it. Retrieved 31 Mar '22
  27. 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 The New York Times reporting on Baker winning the 1971 Rebel 400. Retrieved 31 Mar '22
  28. 28.0 28.1 Forbes detailing the origin of the Firecracker race, and its reporting on its 2019 name change. Retrieved 15 Jan '22
  29. Archived NASCAR explaining the Medal of Honor moniker. Retrieved 15 Jan '22
  30. Ultimate Racing History detailing the pole time for the 1971 Medal of Honor Firecracker 400. Retrieved 15 Jan '22
  31. 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 31.4 31.5 Racing-Reference detailing the start order and results for the 1971 Medal of Honor Firecracker 400. Retrieved 15 Jan '22
  32. 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 The New York Times reporting on Isaac winning the 1971 Medal of Honor Firecracker 400. Retrieved 15 Jan '22
  33. DriverAverages listing races at Winston-Salem. Retrieved 9 Apr '22
  34. 34.00 34.01 34.02 34.03 34.04 34.05 34.06 34.07 34.08 34.09 34.10 34.11 34.12 34.13 34.14 34.15 34.16 34.17 34.18 34.19 34.20 34.21 34.22 34.23 RacersReunion detailing the 1971 Myers Brothers 250 and the controversial decision to run Grand American cars, as well as providing newspaper clippings of the event. Retrieved 9 Apr '22
  35. 35.00 35.01 35.02 35.03 35.04 35.05 35.06 35.07 35.08 35.09 35.10 35.11 35.12 35.13 Racing-Reference detailing the qualifying and race results for the 1971 Myers Brothers 250. Retrieved 9 Apr '22
  36. 36.00 36.01 36.02 36.03 36.04 36.05 36.06 36.07 36.08 36.09 36.10 36.11 36.12 36.13 36.14 36.15 36.16 Grand National East detailing the decision to run Grand American cars for the 1971 Myers Brothers 250, Allison selecting a Mustang to race in, and how the race has no official winner. Retrieved 9 Apr '22
  37. 37.00 37.01 37.02 37.03 37.04 37.05 37.06 37.07 37.08 37.09 37.10 37.11 37.12 37.13 Essentially Sports summarising the controversies surrounding the 1971 Myers Brothers 250. Retrieved 9 Apr '22
  38. 38.00 38.01 38.02 38.03 38.04 38.05 38.06 38.07 38.08 38.09 38.10 38.11 38.12 38.13 38.14 38.15 38.16 38.17 38.18 38.19 38.20 38.21 38.22 38.23 38.24 38.25 Autoweek detailing the controversy surrounding the race with no winner, and Allison and his family's campaigns to have him be credited as the winner. Retrieved 9 Apr '22
  39. 39.00 39.01 39.02 39.03 39.04 39.05 39.06 39.07 39.08 39.09 39.10 39.11 39.12 39.13 39.14 39.15 39.16 39.17 Spartanburg Herald-Journal reporting on Allison supposedly winning the 1971 Myers Brothers 250, and his and Petty's comments (article found on RacersReunion). Retrieved 9 Apr '22
  40. 40.00 40.01 40.02 40.03 40.04 40.05 40.06 40.07 40.08 40.09 40.10 40.11 40.12 Just a Car Guy detailing the controversies surrounding the 1971 Myers Brothers 250 and Allison not being credited as the winner. Retrieved 9 Apr '22
  41. 41.00 41.01 41.02 41.03 41.04 41.05 41.06 41.07 41.08 41.09 41.10 41.11 41.12 Racing-Reference detailing qualifying and race results for the 1971 National 500. Retrieved 17 Mar '22
  42. Racing-Reference detailing the results of the 1971 World 600. Retrieved 17 Mar '22
  43. The New York Times Stats detailing the history of the National 500. Retrieved 17 Mar '22
  44. Motorsport reporting on the Charlotte Roval being reduced to 400 miles. Retrieved 17 Mar '22
  45. 45.00 45.01 45.02 45.03 45.04 45.05 45.06 45.07 45.08 45.09 45.10 45.11 45.12 45.13 45.14 45.15 Hugh Morton 101 providing a detailed account of the 1971 National 500 and some photos. Retrieved 17 Mar '22
  46. 46.0 46.1 J. Murrey Atkins Library summarising the 1971 National 500 and providing photos of it. Retrieved 17 Mar '22
  47. NASCAR on TV listing television broadcasts of 1971 NASCAR Winston Cup Series races. Retrieved 23 May '23
  48. NASCAR on TV detailing ABC's broadcast of the 1971 Twin 125s. Retrieved 2 Jan '22
  49. NASCAR on TV detailing ABC's broadcast of the 1971 Atlanta 500. Retrieved 5 Mar '22
  50. NASCAR announcing NASCAR Classics. Retrieved 16th Aug '23
  51. NASCAR on TV detailing the ABC broadcast of the 1971 Rebel 400. Retrieved 31 Mar '22
  52. NASCAR on TV detailing ABC's broadcast of the 1971 Medal of Honor Firecracker 400. Retrieved 15 Jan '22
  53. NASCAR on TV detailing ABC's broadcast of the 1971 Myers Brothers 250. Retrieved 9 Apr '22
  54. NASCAR on TV detailing the ABC broadcast of the 1971 National 500. Retrieved 17 Mar '22